WA motorcycle test riding in a group practice questions

Question 1

Why do groups ride in a staggered formation on open roads?

• It looks tidier
• It keeps a full braking gap to the rider ahead while leaving each rider sideways room to moveCorrect answer
• It is required by law
• It lets riders draft each other to save fuel

Nobody is close behind the rider directly in front, and everybody still has an escape path. It keeps the group together without stacking riders up nose to tail.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: riding in groups

Question 2

The group turns onto a winding or unsealed road. What should happen to the formation?

• Stay staggered with the same gaps
• Change to single file with much larger gaps, so each rider has the full lane and is clear of the dust aheadCorrect answer
• Ride two abreast to stay together
• Close up so nobody gets lost

Corners need the full lane, and on gravel the rider ahead throws up dust and stones. Single file with generous spacing gives everyone vision and room to choose their own line.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: riding in groups

Question 3

A group is planning a ride through a remote part of Western Australia. What should be organised beforehand?

• Nothing, riders can sort it out on the road
• Fuel range and stops, water, basic tools and a repair kit, a plan for staying together, and telling someone the route and expected arrivalCorrect answer
• Only the lunch stop
• Only who leads

On remote roads help can be hours away and phone coverage is patchy. Plan around the shortest fuel range in the group, carry water for delays, and make sure somebody outside the group knows where you are going.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: riding in remote areas

Question 4

You are the least experienced rider in a fast group. What should you do?

• Ride at their pace so you do not hold anybody up
• Ride at your own pace within your own skill, and use agreed regrouping pointsCorrect answer
• Cut corners to keep up
• Overtake on blind crests to stay in contact

Riding beyond your ability to keep up with a group is a well known way to crash. A well run group waits at turns and stops, so nobody has to chase.

Rule cited: Ride Safe handbook (Western Australia), topic: riding in groups